• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez is set to file a resolution calling for an investigation into the possible liabilities of educational institutions in incidents involving deaths of students and acts of violence.
Following a series of tragic cases that have raised concerns over student safety nationwide, Benitez said the proposed inquiry aims to determine whether existing laws adequately define and enforce the accountability of schools when students suffer harm while under their care.
“Our goal is to identify gaps in existing laws, strengthen safeguards for students and their families, and ensure that educational institutions uphold the highest standards of safety, integrity, and responsibility,” Benitez said.
The lawmaker cited several recent incidents, including the deadly shooting inside a classroom at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City on June 22, which left three students dead and 20 others injured.
Authorities reported that two minors were allegedly involved in the attack.
Benitez also pointed to the deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, student-athletes from Ateneo de Manila University, who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
“No parent should have to worry that their child is unsafe, unprotected, or could become a victim of violence or abuse while under the care of a school,” Benitez said.
“It is time to review whether our laws adequately define and enforce the accountability of educational institutions when such incidents occur,” he added.
Meanwhile, concerns over student safety have also intensified following the stabbing of a Grade 9 student at Julio Ledesma National High School in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental on June 23.
The victim, 17, sustained injuries after he was allegedly stabbed outside the school premises by a 17-year-old Grade 10 student.
In response, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Negros Island Region (DSWD-NIR) launched intervention measures through its Social Welfare and Development Negros Occidental Team.
The DSWD-NIR team, who visited the victim at the San Carlos City Hospital to assess his condition, extended cash relief assistance to help the family address urgent expenses resulting from the hospitalization.
Psychological first aid was also provided by the government agency to both the victim and his relatives to help them cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the incident.
As part of the continuing assessment process, social workers also visited the San Carlos City Guidance Center, where the child in conflict with the law involved in the stabbing incident was temporarily placed.
In a statement, DSWD-NIR said the intervention reflects the agency’s commitment to protecting children affected by violence and crisis situations through coordinated case management, financial assistance, psychosocial support, and close collaboration with local government units and partner-agencies. | GPB
